Thought Leadership

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

Building a Stronger Donor Pyramid with 5 Effective Fund Management Principles

Constructing and maintaining the donor pyramid takes more than identifying a wide base of support. When we think of the overall advancement enterprise, we must consider the groundwork that underpins the entire operation. That groundwork is effective fund management. Our partners at FundMiner outline five core foundational fund management principles to help you get started.

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Campaigns and Fundraising Strategy

Effective Volunteer Leaders Can Propel Campaign Success

Selecting and engaging campaign volunteers must be an intentional effort, one requiring strategy, commitment, and an understanding that the long view reaps the best rewards. Here are seven ways to get the right volunteer leaders onboard.

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Building Confidence with Planned Giving

It is widely understood that planned giving can play a crucial part of any comprehensive fundraising program. However, lack of confidence often leads gift officers to avoid the topic when interacting with donors. This article explores three ideas that development leaders can use to help their staff, and even themselves, feel more at ease with planned giving concepts.

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Why Digital Wallets Make Sense in Fundraising

While the philanthropy sector has been relatively slow to embrace modern payment methods such as digital wallets, the adoption of Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, etc has become critically important. In this article, we explore why nonprofits should wholeheartedly embrace digital wallets with urgency to offer donors the experience they expect.

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You Might Be Undervaluing the Donor Experience in Your Fundraising Program

One of the most trending topics in fundraising in recent years is the rise of Donor Experience offices. What are charities doing to up their game for the benefit of donors? What are the factors that influence donor retention? This white paper explores the importance of these programs and provides insights for those crafting their own programs.

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Results of the 2023 BWF Healthcare Survey

Over the last 23 years, BWF has conducted research to measure the views and beliefs of affluent Americans regarding their charitable decisions and contributions to hospitals and healthcare organizations. These organizations include community hospitals, children’s hospitals, research centers, academic medical centers, and long-term care facilities. BWF developed this study as an essential tool for healthcare fundraisers.

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How to Ensure Your Strategic Plan is More Than Just a Plan

Strategic planning is a cornerstone of organizational success. So how can you ensure that your plan is more than just a plan? This article takes you through five steps to develop a good strategic planning process that encourages you to adopt a strategic thinking mindset and be flexible without being inconsistent.

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This image shows a stethoscope on a desk in front of a healthcare professional.

7 Proven Healthcare Fundraising Strategies to Revive Giving

Healthcare fundraising is essential to continue delivering a high level of care and resources to your patients and community members. In this guide, we’ll cover strategies to improve your healthcare fundraising approach, better connect with donors, and serve your community more effectively.

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A Planned Giving Program for a Smaller Shop is All About Bequests

Are you ready to build or optimize your planned giving program? Planned giving programs do not need to be overly complicated but they do require intentional and consistent planning to be successful. A nonprofit can start with a simple, well-run program and then layer complexity as future needs merit. Here are 7 steps to build—and sustain—a planned giving program.

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